The 11 most beautiful hikes to do in Paros

Walking between sea and mountain, you dream of it? Hiking in Paros and discover this island from another angle!

After Naxos and Andros, Paros is the third largest island in the Cyclades. This Greek archipelago has more than two-cent-fifty islands, of which only 20 are inhabited. A little more than ten thousand souls populate the land of this Aegean jewel.

Paros is an interesting destination because it allows to combine cultural activities, fierce and sporting activities. In fact, if the island is home to charming typical villages and adorable cribs where it is good to escape, it is also suitable for walks through the mountain, hills or along the coast, whatever the season!

Beginner or experienced hiker, you will find the path that suits you. The island is crossed by the Marpissa chain, the highest peak of which exceeds 750 m. On the occasion of a hike in Paros, nothing prevents you from combining the many attractions of the island: paths of the central chain, pretty villages and beaches with turquoise waters.

Where to go hiking in Paros? Follow the guide!

1. From Parikia to Piso Livadi, to Lefkès

Are you wondering where to go hiking in Paros while combining nature and culture? This walk will allow you to discover a network of roads dating from the Byzantine era and many monuments of choice . This walk is loaded with authenticity: old mills, traditional houses, pigeon trees, olive groves and wells, all in a natural setting typically Mediterranean , which sharpens your senses.

Go from Parikia by the beach of Leivadia, continue by a path that passes not far from the torrent Elitas, climb to the plateau of Marathi and walk along the ancient quarries of white marble. Those who desire it can also visit the small village of Kostos, for a short walk.

On the outskirts of Lefkès you can admire beautiful trees, before discovering the famous village, which makes the pride of Paros and Cyclades. After four hours of walking, slow the pace and stroll a little, to enjoy each of the treasures that hide at the turn of the alleys. Architecture, gastronomy, culture, history, all tastes!

From Lefkès, to Prodromos, you take the oldest part of the Byzantine road, presented a little further. After Prodromos, continue towards Marpissa. Contemplate the marbles of the Makrialimni bridge, admire the church and cross the adorable square. From there you will reach Marpissa, you will lose in the maze of its flowery alleys, visit one of its museums or take some pictures of the multiple singular churches. Climb to the Monastery of Saint-Antoine and take the time to appreciate the beauty of the Southeast of the island of Paros and the Strait of Paronaxia.

Finally, go down to the port of Piso Livadi. Don't miss the visit of the churches of Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Georges the Thalassite. Give yourself a time in a coffee or a tavern, you deserved it!

2. From Lefkès to Prodromos, to the "Byzantine path"

This hike in Paros is probably one of the most famous on the island. You'll walk on it The oldest path of Paros and, nevertheless, the best maintained! If you are looking for authenticity, you have made the right choice: olive trees, bridges, rivers, mills, Mediterranean vegetation, hills, everything is there!

Go from " Chez Loukis" coffee in Lefkès. Start by climbing, go down over a hundred meters, then go up to a breathtaking view of Naxos. You only have to reach Prodromos downhill. Once in the village, take the time to stroll. Take a drink on one of the many terraces of traditional cafés and rest in the shade of a flowering tree.

3. The monastery of Saints-Anargyres

You will start your walk behind the church of Sainte-Vierge, on the parking lot, before heading southeast. Turn left, a little over 500 m after your starting point and head north, a little less than a kilometre. You then have 700 m of walking on a steep coast before reaching the monastery. Admire the view of the port, in the shade of the pines that frame the monastery.

Before you go back to Parikia and finish this beautiful hike in Paros, take the time to visit this Byzantine architecture monument.

4. The Papillon valley

Leave Parikia along the sea, towards the south-west and cross Parasporos, to reach Koukoumavles, on the paths. Continue on a non-paved track to reach the monastery of Saint-Arsène.

From there, walk on a kilometre to discover the hamlet Petaloudes, preserved from mass tourism. This place is nicknamed " the Valley of the Papillons "the Vallon des Papillons". The unique biotope creates the ideal conditions for the reproduction of a certain breed of butterflies.

You can greet these majestic insects in May and June , or September .

5. D’Alyki to Aspro Chorio

Start your hike in Paros in the traditional village of Alyki and contemplate the beautiful typical buildings. Continue your walk by the hamlet of Agkairia. From there, you can shorten your ride by continuing through a paved road or taking a path.

When the two join, you choose the dirt road, in the direction of the convent of the Saints-Théodores. The dwellings are more rare, the relief hardens. The landscapes combine shaving vegetation, bushes and large trees. When you arrive at the last signs of human life, you turn to the right, and continue straight to the convent.

After the climb, the descent! The hike continues towards Aspro Chorio. You see the nude rock on your right, and walk, quietly, to the “white village”, surrounded by the beaches of Lolantonis and Glyfa.

6. From Logaras to Dryos

If you want to combine the pleasures of walking with those of swimming, this hike in Paros is made for you. Don't be in a hurry and take the time to stop every time the heart tells you.

The goal is to follow the sea, from Logaras to Dryos, through a network of small trails, which leaves you free in the choice of your route, between the beach of Logaras and that of Pounta. Then go through the Gold Coast and continue your road to Dryos.

Longen the coast and admire the view throughout this beautiful hike in Paros, between sea and hills.

7. From Marpissa to Afkoulaki

Start your hike in Paros from the Marpissa sports field and walk on an asphalt road on a kilometre. Turn right, then follow a path to Saint-Georges. Gently mount and contemplate traditional fields and dwellings, before crossing the hamlet of Tourlos.

The hardest one is waiting for you, while the relief is drawing more. Between rocks and garrigues, you will get tired in Afkoulaki, but happy to be able to enjoy a well-deserved break in front of the monastery of Agios Georgios.

8. From Kostos to Naoussa, to Agia Pakou

Let hikers frightened by the climb be reassured, this walk only descends to Naoussa! Go from Kostos and continue to the Agia Pakou chapel. Then take a dirt road to Naoussa. Continue to the hamlet of Matzoro, looking at the coasts of Mykonos, which you will see in the distance.

At the first cross, choose the middle road, continue over a hundred meters and turn left. Cross a valley on a little less than a kilometre, turn left at the exit of it, then right, 300 m further. Walk over 800 m, before reaching the gates of Naoussa.

9. D’Ampelas in Santa Maria

Leave Ampelas to the north, to reach the beach of Aspros Gkremos. Then overlook the sea to the tip facing the island Filidi. Feel free to swim in the beautiful beach with crystal clear waters!

Continue on a path, between cedars and dunes, before reaching the beach of Santa Maria. Where to go hiking in Paros to combine sea and relief? Between Ampelas and Santa Maria!

10. From Marathi to Thapsana

Start your walk with the old marble quarries. Continue in the direction of the folfloric Museum. Pass the bridge of Elitas and cross charming Mediterranean landscapes.

From Thapsana, if you wish, you can still continue towards the Agii Pantes (the highest peak of Paros), Saint Minas or Parikia.

11. From Lefkès to Aliki

Where to go on a hike in Paros to get over? Walk from Lefkès to Aliki through the Agii Pantes, from which you will have a breathtaking view of the Cyclades. Continue by Saint Jean Kaparos, Aneratza and Kapari.

And others still

Would you like to discover a new hiking path in Paros? There are others: from Ampelas to Marmara, from Kolimpithres to the Case of Korakas, from Parikia to Marathi, etc.

Good walk!